D7

www.atlanticballoonfiesta.ca

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Those who have volunteered in the past years love it and come back each year. Those who have not, you don't know what you're missing.

Is crewing an easy job? The crew is responsible for helping the pilot prepare for the flight. They help to setup the equipment by unloading everything from the trailer.

They then roll out the envelope and lay the basket on its side.

The propane tanks and burner are attached. A couple of members of the crew hold open the envelope while it fills with cold air (from a large fan).

Once inflated enough with cold air they hold the skirt(base of the envelope) open as the burner is used to heat the air.

While all of this is happening a crew member is holding onto the rope that is connected to the top of the balloon. This persons job is to provide weight so that the balloon doesn't pop up too quickly.

Weight is provide by the crew to the basked before launch. They then follow the balloon on the ground and communicate with the pilot to ensure a safe landing.

It is hard work, but extremely rewarding. Best of all, there is always the chance that the pilot has room and says "Hop in!"

The crew, pilot, and passengers must then deflate the balloon, fold it, and pack it back into its container.

The gondola, burners, and envelope are then loaded aboard the chase vehicle for the return to launch site.